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Introduction and Intent Transcript |
Hello. This is Dr. Kaye Peery. I am the current Superintendent of
the Zuni Public School District. This the first, in what I hope to
be, several addresses to the people of Zuni. This is my honest
attempt to pass information to the community and/or to correct any
misinformation.
Let’s get started.
I think I will start with the most current press item. On Wednesday,
November 14, 2007 the Gallup Independent ran a front page story
about the Board Meeting on Tuesday, November 13, 2007. What a lively
meeting it was! The community had several items they wanted to
discuss. In addition to the community members, we were privileged to
have Tribal Governor Cooeyate, Councilman Albert and Councilman
Tsbetsaye in attendance.
It has been alleged that I have turned away parents and community
members that have attempted to meet with me, prior to the board
meeting, to discuss issues that they were concerned about. I can
tell you that, with one exception, NO ONE has called or visited to
request an appointment with me on these matters. That one exception
had an appointment and she called my office and cancelled.
If anyone has been turned away or refused an appointment, I want to
know! If that is the case, that means someone in the Central Office
is not doing their job…and that is not acceptable.
Recruiting and employing certified teachers is a current
problem…nationwide. All schools are suffering. Not just here in
Zuni. Not just in New Mexico. But, across the United States. The
district works year around to recruit highly “qualified” “certified”
teachers. We upgraded the central office (at a minimal expense) to
entice potential teachers, being interviewed, to relocate to Zuni.
Our school district’s central office needed to be inviting, to make
people want to relocate and to believe that this was a good place to
start a better life, with a good job. That is also the reason for
the new teacherages. Potential teachers relocating here need to know
that they will have “nice” living space at a reasonable price.
That brings me to the comment about substitute teachers in the
classrooms. I would rather put a substitute in a classroom until we
can find a quality, caring, and nurturing “certified” teacher – then
hire just anybody to fill a “teacher” slot in a classroom. I should
have notified parents that the sitting teachers were substitutes. I
wrongly assumed that parents were being notified by the appropriate
departments within the District. I have taken corrective steps.
Parents have been notified about the current substitutes and WILL BE
notified in the future.
In response to the comment regarding the two (2) Assistant
Superintendent positions…I have created NO new administrative
positions. I have merged some positions and put new titles on
them…and that is all. Yes, two (2) of those positions have people I
previously worked with occupying them. Not because they are my
“friends” but because I have past work histories with those people
and know their capabilities and strengths. I believe they are assets
to the Zuni Public School District.
I would further like to address the comment in the Gallup
Independent story that states: “Parents, students and staff are made
to feel that they do not have a voice because when they do try to
speak up, there is a fear of repercussion, reprisal and
retaliation.” I am appalled. I do not know of a single instance when
this has occurred under my administration. I would not tolerate or
permit it.
In conclusion, my office is planning to make these radio broadcasts
a weekly event, so I can share information and viewpoints with the
community.
Similarly, my office is starting a monthly Newsletter that will be
distributed for the same purpose.
I encourage each parent, student and community member to attend the
monthly Board Meetings, listen to my radio spots, and read the
monthly newsletters…..all in attempt to be better informed with
regard to what we are all trying to do to enhance your children’s
education.
Please, do not hesitate to contact my office, to meet with me,
regarding your concerns for your children.
Let’s work together to rid our school district of the discord and
create harmony among us in order to strengthen our efforts.
How proud I am of all the students and staff for their hard work and
achievements.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Shalak’o cooking day.
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